TV Host Giuliana Rancic Dishes on Her Slim Secrets

by Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

August 9, 2011 • 4 comments

I find it amusing that whenever I visit a city known to be crawling with celebrities, such as Los Angeles, Park City during Sundance, or Aspen, I’m on a mission to spot some action, and always end up disappointed. But when I’m minding my own business, going about my day, I strike gold. A few years ago I was within an arm’s reach of Kevin Spacey in the Playboy Club in Las Vegas. Two years ago while strolling through the grounds at The Phoenician, we spotted Jay Z along with an army of professional basketball players on their way to a VIP party.

Last weekend at BlogHer 2011 Conference I caught up with the gorgeous and talented Giuliana Rancic of E! News for a very impromptu interview. I’ve always liked her. She seems very down to earth, as does her hubby Bill Rancic, a former contestant on NBC’s The Apprentice. Giuliana sported the highest of high heels covered in the brightest of blue suede. She wore skinny jeans that made her appear even skinnier. On television I’ve always imagined her as somewhat petite. At 5’ 8” plus she towered over me.

I asked her what she eats to stay healthy and energized and this is what she had to say.

Giuliana Rancic’s Three Tips on Eating Well

Just do it.
Giuliana says that most importantly, “You’ve got to just eat well and put good things into your body.” To me this means eating minimally processed whole foods made without junk ingredients. I recommend hitting all of the food groups including fruits and vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, lean proteins, and whole grains. And drink plenty of water.

Check out her website. Fab Fit Fun.
The site offers skinny snack ideas, energy boosting foods, and tasty recipes.

Eat what you love.
Giuliana advises finding healthier versions of your favorite foods, which hits my hot spot since it goes along with my theory that if we choose what we enjoy we’ll be more likely to stick to it. For example, instead of ordering a deep-dish pepperoni pizza, top a thin crust with vegetables. Rather than white flour pancakes doused with fake sugary syrup, whip up 100% whole grain pancakes lightly drizzled with real maple syrup and sprinkled with fresh berries.

When it comes to beverages, Giuliana doesn’t drink coffee (though, I don’t see anything wrong with one cup in the morning, as most of you know I enjoy). She drinks water. And her other favorite drink right now is Trop50.

Finally, Giuliana says that once you start eating well you’ll wake up with more energy. And, in my opinion another often overlooked key to feeling energetic in the morning is to get enough sleep in the first place. This means 7 – 9 hours. I feel like I perform my best with 9 hours of sleep, though that seems to happen less often these days. I’m happy with 8. And okay with 7. 5 or less? No bueno.

How many hours of sleep do you average each night? Do you think it’s enough for you to feel your best?

Update on 8/11/11: Speaking of sleep, today and yesterday have been crazy with traveling with Scarlet by myself. I may find time to post tomorrow, but I might not! You will for sure hear back from me by Monday though. Enjoy your weekend.

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